You should try referencing life. Having references isn't bad as long as it's not from a photograph or something. Look at life and train yourself to interpret it in your own way. Look in the mirror and practice some self portraits. You're your own best model ! :)

thanks, this is actually so helpful :) I feel like I probably am dependent on the pictures I reference to make my drawings interesting, when all i’m really doing is ripping someone off.  I should focus less on the subject matter, and more on how I interpret it, and the best way to figure that out is through drawing from life.  practicing self portraits would be a good idea, also.  thank you so much n_n